Sixth seed Andy Roddick powered into the third round of the Australian Open with a straight sets victory over Marc Gicquel in Melbourne today.

The American, backed by his powerful first serve, set up a meeting with either former champion Marat Safin or Dudi Sela with a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 triumph at Melbourne Park.

Juan Carlos Ferrero, the 24th seed, crashed out in the second round after suffering a 7-6 (7-0) 7-5 4-6 6-1 defeat by Thailand's Danai Udomchoke, who will face Serbian world number 15 Novak Djokovic in round three.

Spain's David Ferrer booked his place in the third round as the 16th seed beat Thomas Johansson 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-2, while 25th seed Mikhail Youzhny and 20th seed Radek Stepanek also secured safe passage to the last 32.

Meanwhile, former champion Serena Williams endured a nervous victory over Anne Kremer to reach the third round.

The American, who is unseeded in Melbourne after injury saw the 2003 and 2005 champion slip to 81st in the world rankings, fell a break behind and trailed in the tie-break before sealing a 7-6 (7-4) 6-2, victory.